The 4:15 to the Coast
The departure board flicked, and the 4:15 to the coast turned red. Delayed. Again.
“Excuse me,” the commuter said to the station guard. “The board says my train is delayed, but it doesn't say how long.”
“That's because we don't know yet, sir,” the guard said. “There's a problem further down the line.”
“Right.” “And will it arrive before six, do you think?”
The guard looked at his screen. “Honestly?” “Probably not.” “I'd say it'll be at least an hour.” “Maybe more.”
“An hour.” The commuter took a slow breath. “Look, I don't want to make a fuss, but this is the third delay this week.” “Is there any chance of a different platform, a different train?”
“The next service to the coast leaves from platform four,” the guard said. “But it'll be packed, and it stops everywhere.” “You won't get there any faster.”
“Of course not.” The commuter almost laughed. “So my choice is a late train or a slow train.”
“That's about the size of it, sir.”
There was a long pause. Then the announcement came over the speakers: “We are sorry to announce that the 4:15 service to the coast is now cancelled.”
The commuter stared at the board. The guard didn't even look up.
“Platform four,” the guard said gently. “I'd run, if I were you.”